Director - Water/Wastewater

RK&K; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Matching 401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Wellness programs

Job summary

RK&K is seeking a Regional Water/Wastewater Leader based in Richmond, Virginia, to guide and grow its practices across Virginia and North Carolina. This leadership role involves managing a team and ensuring the successful delivery of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience and expertise in municipal and utility relationships, along with a strong background in business development and project oversight.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of progressive experience in water and wastewater consulting.
• Proven success developing business with public-sector clients.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead RK&K's water/wastewater team in Virginia and North Carolina.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with municipal utilities.
• Provide oversight for planning, design, and construction-phase services.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Delivery

Client Development

Team Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field

Professional Engineer license in Virginia and/or North Carolina

Job description

RK&K is seeking a Regional Water/Wastewater Leader to guide and grow our established practice across Virginia and North Carolina. This role leads an existing team of experienced professionals supporting a strong backlog of active and upcoming projects, along with established client relationships and ongoing work.

The selected leader will focus on strengthening regional coordination, supporting successful project delivery, and expanding RK&K's market presence across both states. This is a seller-doer leadership role, ideal for a senior professional with strong technical expertise, proven success in municipal and utility client relationships, and a track record of winning and delivering water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Essential Functions

Regional Practice Leadership

Provide leadership for RK&K's established water/wastewater team in Virginia and North Carolina. Guide staff in delivering current backlog while shaping a regional business plan focused on sustainable growth, client service, and quality. Partner with firm leadership to align resources, staffing, and pursuit strategies, serving as a visible leader internally and externally.

Client Development & Business Growth

Strengthen and expand relationships with municipal utilities and other water/wastewater clients. Identify and pursue strategic opportunities, lead client engagement and capture efforts, and support proposals, interviews, and pursuit strategies. Build on existing backlog to secure repeat and new work.

Project & Technical Leadership

Provide senior oversight for planning, design, and construction-phase services for water/wastewater infrastructure. Support project managers with scope, budget, schedule, and quality control while reviewing key deliverables. Ensure successful, profitable delivery of projects and resolution of technical and delivery challenges.

Staff Development & Team Building

Lead and mentor an established regional team, supporting recruitment, development, and collaboration across offices. Foster a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and client service while strengthening career growth for staff at all levels.

Financial & Operational Performance

Support regional goals for revenue, backlog, profitability, and utilization. Assist with forecasting, staffing, and resource planning while monitoring project performance and ensuring delivery aligns with budget, schedule, and quality expectations.

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer license; licensure in Virginia and/or North Carolina preferred.
• 20+ years of progressive experience in water and wastewater consulting, design, project delivery, and client service.
• Demonstrated success developing business with municipal, county, utility authority, or public-sector clients.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure markets in Virginia and/or North Carolina.
• Proven ability to lead teams, win work, support proposals, and maintain long‑term client relationships.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel within Virginia and North Carolina for client meetings, project needs, staff coordination, and business development.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Established relationships with municipal utilities, public works departments, water/sewer authorities, or state/local agencies in Virginia and North Carolina.
• Experience leading or growing a regional water/wastewater practice.
• Experience taking leadership of an existing team and helping organize staff around backlog, growth, and client priorities.
• Experience with water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, pump stations, force mains, treatment facilities, utility master planning, asset management, and rehabilitation programs.
• Familiarity with regulatory, funding, and permitting considerations affecting water/wastewater projects in the Mid‑Atlantic and Southeast.
• Experience leading on‑call contracts, IDIQ contracts, utility capital improvement programs, and large multidisciplinary assignments.
• Prior responsibility for regional growth, revenue generation, team leadership, project delivery, or profit/loss performance.

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under ADA). It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required of the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

What We Offer

• Paid time off
• Matching 401(k) plan
• Student Loan Retirement Match Program
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
• Paid parental leave)
• Wellness programs and employee resource groups
• Career Development
• Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full‑service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award‑winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.

Design your career at RK&K-Apply Today!